Will my prior DUIs make a big difference in my current DUI case?

The goal of today’s stiff DUI penalties is to discourage people from drinking and driving. When someone demonstrates that they have not been deterred from that behavior, the consequences become more severe with each arrest and conviction.

Every state has enacted their own unique laws governing DUIs; however, they have also increased penalties for more severe DUI cases, repeat offenders, or those who commit other crimes in conjunction with their DUI.

While the penalties differ by state, the common differences can include the following:

• Driver’s license suspension – 1st offense, 90 days; 2nd offense, 1 year; 3rd offense, 3 years
• Fines – 1st offense, $300; 2nd offense, $1,500; 3rd offense, $15,000
• Jail time – 1st offense, 48 hours to 1 year; 2nd offense, 45 days to 1 year; 3rd offense, 120 days to 1 year
• DUI school – 1st offense, possible; 2nd & 3rd offense, often mandatory
• Ignition interlock devices – 1st offense, possible; 2nd & 3rd offense, often mandatory

These are just some of the penalties you can suffer when you are arrested for multiple DUI offenses. In addition, the insurance company may raise your rates for up to three years, and the convictions remain on your record for years. You need to consult a DUI lawyer to learn if you have grounds to contest this charge. They can also tell you what possible defenses will be effective in proving your innocence.